9.6 Freight Plan

As the nation has grown, so has the freight transportation industry. Freight transportation is essential to development, supporting population expansion and economic activity, enabling dramatic growth, and incorporating multiple components that employ millions.

1.A freight plan is a blueprint for action that identifies the implementation steps that will solve freight needs and issues.

2.In order to create an actionable plan, a client must first determine how the plan will be implemented when it’s finished. Then, working backwards, the plan will include the pieces needed to become a reality.

3.The U.S. federal government requires state departments of transportation and metropolitan planning organizations to develop freight plans, and if done right, those plans can have great benefit for a community or state.

4.A well thought out freight plan supports economic development, addresses private sector demands, matches funding and financing options for projects, and provides justification and transparency for investment decisions.